The topic “describe a person who has helped you through a difficult time” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to express gratitude, describe personal experiences, and discuss relationships. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal nature.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about help and support. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you often help others?
- When was the last time someone helped you?
- How do you feel when someone offers to help you?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I generally feel grateful when someone offers to help me. It’s heartwarming to know that people care enough to lend a hand. However, I must admit that sometimes I feel a bit hesitant to accept help, as I don’t want to burden others with my problems. Overall, though, I appreciate the gesture and try to reciprocate when I can.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who has helped you through a difficult time.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How this person helped you
- What the difficult situation was
- And explain why their help was important to you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my best friend, Sarah, who helped me through a really tough time last year. Sarah and I have been friends since high school, and she’s always been there for me.
The difficult situation I faced was when I lost my job unexpectedly. It was a shock, and I felt really down about it. I was worried about my finances and my future career prospects.
Sarah was incredibly supportive during this time. She listened to me when I needed to vent my frustrations and helped me stay positive. She also practically assisted me by reviewing my resume and helping me prepare for job interviews.
Her help was important because it gave me the confidence I needed to keep going. With her support, I felt less alone in my struggles and more motivated to find a new job. Thanks to her encouragement, I eventually found an even better position than the one I had lost.
Sarah’s kindness and support during this difficult time really strengthened our friendship. I’m incredibly grateful for her help and know that I can always count on her.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience about my mentor, Dr. Johnson, who was instrumental in helping me navigate through a particularly challenging period in my academic career.
Dr. Johnson, a distinguished professor in my field of study, took me under his wing during my postgraduate research. The difficult situation arose when I encountered significant setbacks in my thesis work. My initial hypothesis proved to be flawed, and I was on the verge of scrapping months of research.
Dr. Johnson’s assistance was multifaceted and invaluable. Firstly, he provided crucial emotional support, reassuring me that setbacks are an integral part of the scientific process. His unwavering belief in my abilities helped me maintain my self-confidence during this tumultuous time.
Moreover, he offered practical guidance, helping me recalibrate my research approach. He meticulously reviewed my work, pointing out areas where I could salvage data and suggesting alternative methodologies to explore. His extensive knowledge and experience in the field were pivotal in steering my research in a more fruitful direction.
The importance of his help cannot be overstated. Without his support, I might have abandoned my research altogether. Instead, his mentorship not only saved my thesis but also instilled in me a deeper understanding of the resilience required in academic pursuits. This experience honed my problem-solving skills and taught me the value of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Dr. Johnson’s mentorship went beyond mere academic guidance; it was a transformative experience that shaped my approach to research and life challenges. His support during this difficult time was a cornerstone in my academic journey, profoundly influencing my career trajectory and personal growth.”
IELTS Speaking: Mentor providing guidance
Follow-up Questions:
- How did this experience change your relationship with this person?
- What did you learn from this difficult situation?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This experience significantly deepened my relationship with Dr. Johnson. It evolved from a formal student-teacher dynamic to a more collaborative partnership. I gained a profound appreciation for his wisdom and compassion, which fostered a lasting mentorship that continues to enrich my professional life.
The situation taught me several invaluable lessons. Firstly, I learned the importance of resilience in the face of academic setbacks. It reinforced the idea that failure is often a stepping stone to success in research. Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry. This experience honed my ability to seek and utilize constructive feedback, a skill that has proved indispensable in my subsequent research endeavors.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Let’s discuss the broader topic of helping others during difficult times.
- Why do you think some people are more willing to help others than others?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe that people’s willingness to help others can be influenced by various factors. Some individuals may have been raised in environments that emphasized the importance of empathy and kindness, making them more inclined to offer assistance. Others might have personally experienced difficult times and understand the value of support, motivating them to pay it forward. Additionally, some people may find fulfillment in helping others, which reinforces their helpful behavior. Cultural and societal norms can also play a role in shaping people’s attitudes towards helping others.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The propensity to help others is a complex interplay of psychological, social, and cultural factors. Individuals who are more altruistic often possess a higher degree of empathy, allowing them to readily identify with others’ struggles. This empathetic disposition may be rooted in early childhood experiences or shaped by significant life events that fostered a deep understanding of human vulnerability.
Moreover, some people may view helping others as an integral part of their identity or moral code. This intrinsic motivation can be reinforced by the positive psychological rewards of altruism, such as increased self-esteem and life satisfaction.
Cultural factors also play a pivotal role. Societies that prioritize collective well-being over individualism may cultivate a stronger sense of social responsibility among their members. Additionally, religious or philosophical beliefs that emphasize compassion and service can significantly influence an individual’s propensity to help others.
It’s also worth noting that some people may be more willing to help due to their abundant resources, be it time, money, or skills. Having the capacity to assist without compromising one’s own well-being can make individuals more inclined to extend support to others in need.”
- How has technology changed the way people help each other during difficult times?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized the landscape of mutual aid and support during challenging times. Social media platforms and messaging apps have dramatically enhanced our ability to disseminate information rapidly and coordinate assistance efforts on a large scale. This instantaneous connectivity allows people to mobilize resources and support networks more efficiently than ever before.
Crowdfunding platforms have democratized charitable giving, enabling individuals to directly support causes or people in need, bypassing traditional institutional channels. This has empowered both givers and recipients, creating more personalized and immediate forms of assistance.
Furthermore, technology has facilitated the emergence of virtual support communities. Online forums and support groups provide spaces for people facing similar challenges to connect, share experiences, and offer emotional support, transcending geographical boundaries. This has been particularly impactful for individuals dealing with rare conditions or those in isolated areas.
Artificial intelligence and big data analytics are also being harnessed to predict and respond to crises more effectively. For instance, early warning systems for natural disasters have become more sophisticated, allowing for better preparation and response.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that technology has also introduced new challenges. The digital divide means that not everyone has equal access to these technological aids. Additionally, the ease of online giving can sometimes lead to compassion fatigue or make it difficult to verify the legitimacy of requests for help.
Despite these challenges, the overall impact of technology on our ability to help each other during difficult times has been overwhelmingly positive, fostering a more connected and responsive global community.”
Technology connecting people during crisis
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Instrumental (adjective) /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ – serving as a means of pursuing an aim
Example: “Her advice was instrumental in helping me make the right decision.”Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
Example: “His resilience in the face of adversity was truly admirable.”Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
Example: “The problem requires a multifaceted approach to be solved effectively.”Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪvətl/ – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
Example: “Her support played a pivotal role in my recovery.”Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ – persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
Example: “His perseverance in the face of numerous setbacks finally led to his breakthrough.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who has helped you through a difficult time:
Use a variety of vocabulary and avoid repetition. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary naturally.
Develop your answers fully, providing specific details and examples to support your points.
Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Maintain fluency by speaking at a natural pace, using appropriate pauses and fillers.
Show coherence by organizing your thoughts logically and using linking words to connect ideas.
Practice describing personal experiences and emotions to become more comfortable with this type of question.
Be prepared to discuss the topic from different angles, as in Part 3, where you’ll need to consider broader implications and abstract ideas related to the theme.
Remember, the key to success is regular practice and exposure to a wide range of topics. Try to incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and structures into your everyday English usage to make them feel more natural during the test.